WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsValley National Bancorp B Pref (VLYPO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 1334% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $2.01B). VLYPO leads profitability with a 34.5% profit margin vs 14.1%. HIG trades at a lower P/E of 9.9x. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

HIG

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 8.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.23

VLYPO

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.21

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HIG6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1210/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
9.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
22.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.229/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
41.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 41.4% YoY

VLYPO5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
34.5%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.8%

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.0%8/10

15.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

HIG1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.232/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

VLYPO1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.212/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HIG

The strongest argument for HIG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : VLYPO

The strongest argument for VLYPO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.5% and operating margin at 46.8%. Revenue growth of 15.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : VLYPO

The primary concerns for VLYPO are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HIG profiles as a value stock while VLYPO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

VLYPO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

VLYPO is growing revenue faster at 15.0% — sustainability is the question.

HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (77/100 vs 60/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Hartford Financial Services Group

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., usually known as The Hartford, is a United States-based investment and insurance company.

Visit Website →

Valley National Bancorp B Pref

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Valley National Bancorp is the parent company of Valley National Bank offering various commercial, retail, insurance and wealth management financial services products. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?